J. Dean Mosher's Obituary
Jesse “Dean” Mosher was born July 12, 1927 on American Ridge, Idaho. Dean passed away February 2nd in Leesburg, Virginia. He was the son of Jesse W. and Ona Cummings Mosher.
Raised in Lewiston, Idaho, Dean entered the U.S. Navy in 1946, via the Naval Academy Preparatory School. His naval career was cut short by rheumatic fever, but he finished his education with a law degree from the University of Idaho Law School.
After serving as a lawyer and judge in Twin Falls, Idaho, Dean moved to Northern Virginia in 1960 as a legislative aide for Senator Frank Church. He served the public for over 25 years as an attorney at the Department of Interior, the Navy, and the GAO.
Dean married Betty Holden in 1979 and resided in Springfield until moving to Leisure World of VA in 2008. In retirement, he enjoyed serving as an Archon Councilor and Officer with his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), advising chapters and mentoring many young men.
Dean and Betty traveled extensively. It was on a trip to Taiwan where they met Paul Liou, who became a lifelong friend and “adopted” son. Dean also loved gardening, stamp collecting, and living in the Nation’s Capital. He read the Washington Post from cover to cover every day, and was always happy when he had a map in his hand. He was a proud American, Episcopalian and a die-hard Democrat.
He served on the vestry of both St. Margaret’s church in Woodbridge, and St. Christopher’s in Springfield. He loved to sing, and sang tenor in both choirs, as well as in the National Cathedral Choir. And every Thursday, for over 30 years, Dean had lunch with his best friend, Herb Dennis.
Dean is survived by his wife Betty and his three children, Jan Brown of Sterling, VA; Ron Mosher of Ruckersville, VA; and Karen (Dave) Lane of Kenmore, WA. He is also survived by sister Sandra Phillips (Dick), Paul Liou and family, step-daughters Susan Holden (Rick Woulfe) and Pam (John) Anderschat, three grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, three step-grandsons and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Barbara Hartigan and Ida Mae Mosher, brother Charles Mosher, and 1st wife Phyllis Andrew.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to staff and friends at Loudoun County Adult Day Care Center in Leesburg, Capital Caring Hospice, and the staff at Meadow Glen of Leesburg, who all took exceptional care of Dean. In his last difficult year, they took extra care to meet his every need with great tenderness and love.
A celebration of his life will be held April 6th, 11:00 AM at Galilee United Methodist Chapel at Leisure World, 19400 Leisure World Blvd, Leesburg, VA (lwva.org). Internment of his ashes will follow the 10:30 service at St. Christopher’s on April 7th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dean’s name to:
Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400 Fairfax, VA 22030 or to Leesburg Adult Day Care, 16501 Meadowview Ct. Leesburg, VA 20175
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